A computer is disclosed that includes a switching part configured to detect connection of an external computer to the computer upon the connection, and to determine, in response to the detection of the connection of the external computer, that the output signal of the external computer be received and output to the output part of the computer.
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1. A computer system, comprising:
a first body, including a first processor located within said first body, said first body having structure without an alpha-numeric display; and
a second body including a user interface and a second processor located within the second body, the second body being removably attachable to the first body, the second body operating as a computer independently of the first body when unconnected from the first body,
wherein the user interface of the second body is a display for the first body, when the first body is connected to the second body, and
wherein the first body is configured to serve as a docking station for the second body, and
wherein the first body utilizes only a display of the second body, when the first body is connected to the second body,
wherein the second body includes a peripheral device controller, the second body having a processing function as a computer, the second processor being configured to be remotely connectable to the first body through data communications,
wherein the second body is configured to remotely log off the first body automatically upon recognizing that the user interface is being attached to the first body, and to remotely log on the first body automatically upon recognizing that the user interface is being detached from the first body.
2. The computer system as claimed in
a switching part configured to detect a connection of an external computer to the computer system upon the connection; and to determine, in response to the detection of the connection of the external computer, that an output signal of the external computer be received and output to an output part, and a signal input through an input part be input to the external computer.
3. The computer system as claimed in
a connection of the external computer to the computer system is detected upon the connection; and it is determined, in response to the detection of the connection of the external computer, that the signal input through the input part of the computer system be input to the external computer.
4. The computer system as claimed in
when another computer is connected as the external computer to the computer system, a signal indicating the connection is provided to the computer system.
5. The computer system as claimed in
6. The computer system as claimed in
a switching part configured to determine, in response to the detection of the attachment of the second body to the first body, that an output signal of the first body be received and output to a display of the user interface, and a signal input through an input device of the user interface be input to the first body; and to determine, in response to the detection of the detachment of the second body, that an output signal of the second processor be output to the display of the user interface, and the signal input through the input device of the user interface be input to the second processor.
7. The computer system as claimed in
8. The computer system as claimed in
9. The computer system as claimed in
10. The computer system according to
the user interface of the second body is also an input device for the first body, when the first body is connected to the second body.
11. The computer system according to
the second processor is lower in power consumption than the first processor.
12. The computer system according to
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a highly portable computer reduced in size, weight, and power consumption with a minimum decrease in performance and the system of the computer, and more particularly to a computer that has a removable input/output device with a processor and enables the main-body computer to be remotely controlled via data communications using the input/output device.
2. Description of the Related Art
Primary output devices such as the liquid crystal monitor of a notebook computer and primary input devices such as keyboards and touch pads are fixed to a computer main body and are usually not separable or removable therefrom. That is, these primary input devices and output devices cannot be connected to other computers and used as an input/output device.
As described above, the input device and the output device are not separable from the computer main body, which results in the following inconveniences. First, the entire computer, that is, the CPU, hard disk, etc., of the computer main body that consume large amounts of power are necessary in order to operate the computer main body. This yields low performance with respect to power consumption in the case of operating the computer with a battery where the computer is carried about. Further, the CPU of the computer main body, its heat sink, and the hard disk of the computer main body, which are necessary to operate the computer main body, are heavy. This yields low performance with respect to weight. Further, the CPU of the computer main body, its heat sink, and the hard disk of the computer main body necessary to operate the computer main body are voluminous. This yields low performance with respect to volume. Further, the entire computer is always necessary at the time of use in order to operate the computer main body. Therefore, the entire computer is likely to be stolen particularly in the case of a notebook computer, which is very likely to result in leakage (disclosure) of hard disk data. Further, principal components such as a CPU and a hard disk are closely connected to other components of the computer. Therefore, in order to replace such principal components, it is necessary to take the computer main body apart, which is a very difficult operation.
Further, neither an input device nor an output device in the conventional desktop computer has a processor that autonomously operates. Therefore, even if it is desired that the input or output device be separated from the computer, the input or output device has no function of directly or remotely operating the computer main body.
Regarding the desktop computer, it is often the case that its external devices such as an image display unit such as a liquid crystal display; and input devices such as a keyboard, a touch pad, a mouse, and a trackball are sufficiently usable in terms of function while its internal processor or storage unit has become obsolete with the passage of time. Accordingly, in this case, it is possible to replace only the main body of the desktop computer while continuing to use the image display unit and the input devices.
In the case of the conventional notebook computer, however, if its internal processor or storage unit has become obsolete with the passage of time, the entire notebook computer is no longer usable although its image display unit such as a liquid crystal display and its input devices such as a keyboard, a touch pad, a mouse, and a trackball are often sufficiently operable in terms of function.
Further, in the case of using a notebook computer at an outside location and using a desktop computer back at a base location (for example, an office), an image display unit and an input device are separately required for the desktop computer although the notebook computer has an image display unit and an input device. It is possible for the notebook computer to virtually display an image of the external computer (desktop computer) or make input to the external computer by logging on the desktop computer using a network logon function. However, settings required for this, such as software preparation and settings, and network settings, are complicated. Further, since the connection is established through a network, the connection depends on the condition of the network to be unstable, thus causing a delay in screen display or input operation.
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2002-189516 discloses a process control computer system that remotely starts and stops another computer. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2002-312068 discloses a notebook personal computer that carries two liquid crystal screens at the same time. This personal computer displays the screen of the computer on an external liquid crystal display unit. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2004-246634 discloses an information processing apparatus and an information storage device for the information processing apparatus, that is, discloses a computer removable from a display unit. This technique is for reducing the size and weight of a computer main body. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 5-94250 discloses a computer in which part of an input device is removable. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 10-97440 discloses a computer diagnostic apparatus that enables recovery of a primary computer by transmitting the self-diagnosis results of the primary computer to a separable secondary computer and analyzing the self-diagnosis results. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 11-259003 discloses a space-saving information processor including a computer having a housing as wide as a display unit. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2000-89855 discloses an electronic apparatus and a function expansion unit that expands functions of the electronic apparatus by having the electronic apparatus connected thereto. Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3064588 discloses a connection structure of a signal line of the liquid crystal display of a notebook personal computer for facilitating connection and separation of the signal line of the liquid crystal display and a motherboard. Further, Japanese Patent No. 3283853 discloses a docking station including a function expansion unit that expands functions of an electronic apparatus by having the electronic apparatus connected thereto.
Embodiments of the present invention may solve or reduce one or more of the above-described problems.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a computer in which one or more of the above-described problems may be solved or reduced.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the performance of a computer with respect to power consumption, weight, volume, security, and remote operation at the time of its operation is improved, and the performance of the computer with respect to partial replaceability at the time of failure is improved.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a computer including a switching part configured to detect a connection of an external computer to the computer upon the connection, and to determine, in response to the detection of the connection of the external computer, that an output signal of the external computer be received and output to an output part of the computer.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a computer, wherein a connection of an external computer to the computer is detected upon the connection, and it is determined, in response to the detection of the connection of the external computer, that a signal input through an input part of the computer be input to the external computer.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a computer including a switching part configured to detect a connection of an external computer to the computer upon the connection; and to determine, in response to the detection of the connection of the external computer, that an output signal of the external computer be received and output to an output part of the computer, and a signal input through an input part of the computer be input to the external computer.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a computer including a main body and an input/output part including an input part and an output part, wherein the input/output part is removably provided on the main body.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a computer including a main body and an input/output part including an input part and an output part, the input/output part being removably provided on the main body, wherein the input/output part includes a processor including a peripheral device controller, the processor having a processing function as a computer, the processor being configured to be remotely connectable to the main body through data communications.
According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the performance of a computer with respect to power consumption, weight, volume, security, and remote operation at the time of its operation. Further, it is also possible to improve the performance of the computer with respect to partial replaceability at the time of failure.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
A description is given, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of embodiments of the present invention.
[First Embodiment]
The computer 1 includes a switching unit 6 that can output the contents of the output of another computer 26 (
When the computer 1 is not connected to the computer 26 as shown in
In the case of connecting the computer 26 to the computer 1, the computer 26 and the connection between the computer 1 and the computer 26 are configured so that the switch signal 18 to the switching unit 6 is “L (low)” as shown in
For example, it is assumed that a notebook personal computer (computer 1) is used at an outside location and a desktop personal computer (computer 26) is used back at a base location (for example, home, office, etc.). In this case, the desktop personal computer needs a monitor as an output device and a keyboard and a mouse as input devices. However, by connecting the computer 26 (desktop personal computer) to the computer 1 (notebook personal computer), it is possible to display the output signal of the computer 26 (desktop personal computer) on the output device 2 (for example, a monitor) of the computer 1 (notebook personal computer), and it is possible to make input to the computer 26 (desktop personal computer) using the input device 4 (for example, a keyboard and/or a touch pad) of the computer 1 (notebook personal computer). That is, the computer 26 (desktop personal computer) can dispense with a monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse, so that it is possible to reduce cost and save space.
[Second Embodiment]
The removable input/output device 31 according to the second embodiment includes a switching unit 36 that can output the contents of the output of the computer main body 56 to an output device (display and output device) 32 of the input/output device 31. Further, the switching unit 36 can also input the contents of input to an input device 34 of the input/output device 31 to the computer main body 56.
In the case of attaching the removable input/output device 31 to the computer main body 56, the computer main body 56 and the connection between the removable input/output device 31 and the computer main body 56 are configured so that a switch signal 48 to the switching unit 36 is “L (low)” as shown in
When the input/output device 31 is not connected to the computer main body 56 as shown in
It is assumed that normally, the removable input/output device 31 and the computer main body 56 according to the second embodiment are integrated and used as a unit. However, the removable input/output device 31 and the computer main body 56 may also be used independent of each other. Since the removable input/output device 31 includes the secondary processor A 42, the removable input/output device 31 can also operate as a simple computer (such as a FDA) when separated or detached from the computer main body 56.
Further, as shown in
In the second embodiment, since the input/output device 31 is detachable, the input/output device 31 is also usable in another computer (personal computer) according to this embodiment as shown in
Further, the detachable input/output device 31 with the secondary processor A 42 is reduced in weight and size compared with the case where the detachable input/output device 31 is integrated with the computer main body 56. The secondary processor A 42 can be lower in power consumption than the primary processor B 54, so that the detachable input/output device 31 is reduced in power consumption compared with the case where the detachable input/output device 31 is integrated with the computer main body 56. Even if only the removable input/output device 31 is dropped and broken while being carried, this breakage has nothing to do with the computer main body 56. As a result, it is possible to protect data inside a hard disk. Further, since it is possible to fix the computer main body 56 to furniture with a hook or chain, adequate measures can be taken against theft. Since the removable input/output device 31 retains hardly any data, there is little possibility of information outflow (disclosure) even if the removable input/output device 31 is stolen.
[Third Embodiment]
As shown in
The switching unit 36 provided in the removable input/output device 31 includes an input switching part 36a and an output switching part 36b, and performs switching between the input/output signal to/from the primary processor B 54 and the input/output signal to/from the secondary processor A 42. (See
Next, when the removable input/output device 31 is detached from the computer main body 56, the switch signal 48 is “H” so as to enable the input signal A 40 to and the output signal A 44 from the secondary processor A 42. Here, the input signal B 50 contains information on the switch signal 48, which is input to an interrupt operation unit 102 (
As shown in
On the other hand, when the removable input/output device 31 is attached, the input to the interrupt operation unit 82 of the secondary processor a 42 becomes “L,” and the operation of the secondary processor A 42 is stopped. (See
Meanwhile, as shown in
Further, when the removable input/output device 31 is attached, the input to the interrupt operation unit 102 of the primary processor B 54 becomes “L,” and the returning operation of the primary processor B 54 is started. (See
As described above, since the secondary processor A 42 is provided in the removable input/output device 31, the removable input/output device 31 can operate as an independent computer by switching the input/output to the secondary processor A 42 in the case of detaching the removable input/output device 31. At this point, the primary processor B 54 (of the computer main body 56) can also operate as a computer independent of the removable input/output device 31.
Further, it is possible to cause transition of the computer main body 56 and the removable input/output device 31 to a virtually detached state by opening a detachment switch 106 of the computer main body 56 or a detachment switch 104 of the removable input/output device 31.
Referring to
[Fourth Embodiment]
(a) Connection Via a Network
A remote network service function via a network, such as the “remote desktop connection” of “Windows XP Professional (Microsoft)” is enabled in the computer main body 56. The primary processor B 54 processes the service, and the secondary processor A 42 performs remote connection. The output information of the primary processor B 54 is transmitted to the secondary processor A 42 via a data transmission line 58, and the secondary processor A 42 displays the information on the output device 32. The secondary processor A 42 transmits information from the input device 34 to the primary processor B 54 via the data transmission line 58, and the primary processor B 54 processes the information as input from the input device 34. This makes it possible for the removable input/output device 31 in a detached state to virtually operate as the input/output device of the computer main body 56.
When the removable input/output device 31 is detached and there is no remote connection therefrom, the computer main body 56 may enter a low power consumption mode such as suspend/hibernation/shutdown and be prevented from operating. In such a case, enabling a remote start command receiving function such as Wake On LAN (WOL) in the computer main body 56 makes it possible to cause the computer main body 56 to return from the low power consumption mode by transmitting a remote start command such as Magic Packet™ at the time of performing remote connection from the secondary processor A 42 of the removable input/output device 31. Further, transmission of a message from the primary processor B 54 of the returned computer main body 56 to the secondary processor A 42 via the data transmission line 58 makes it possible to remotely connect the secondary processor A 42 immediately after the return of the primary processor B 54.
In the case of detaching the secondary processor A 42 from the computer main body 56 and remotely connecting the detached secondary processor A 42 in the above-described form of connection according to the fourth embodiment, causing an auxiliary device of the secondary processor A 42 to be recognized as, for example, a network directory or shared folder by the computer main body 56 makes it possible to view the auxiliary device of the secondary processor A 42 from the computer main body 56 on its basic software. As a result, a document created while the detached removable input/output device 31 is operating as a PDA can be edited from the computer main body 56 at the time of remote connection.
Further, in the case of detaching the secondary processor A 42 from the computer main body 56 and remotely connecting the detached secondary processor A 42, causing an auxiliary device of the primary processor B 54 to be recognized as, for example, a network directory or shared folder by the secondary processor A 42 makes it possible to view the auxiliary device of the primary processor B 54 from the secondary processor A 42 on its basic software. As a result, a document created in advance in the detached computer main body 56 can be edited from the removable input/output device 31 at the time of remote connection.
Further, in the case of physically attaching the secondary processor A 42 to the computer main body 56, causing an auxiliary device of the secondary processor A 42 to be recognized as, for example, a USB memory by the computer main body 56, the auxiliary device of the secondary processor A 42 can be viewed from the computer main body 56 on its basic software. As a result, a document created while the detached removable input/output device 31 is operating as a PDA can be edited from the computer main body 56 when the removable input/output device 31 is attached to the computer main body 56.
(b) Connection Using a Radio Peripheral Device
With the computer main body 56 recognizing the removable input/output device 31 as being directly connected thereto physically, the computer main body 56 and the detached removable input/output device 31 are connected by radio connection such as infrared, Bluetooth or an IEEE 802.11 ad hoc connection. As a result, the removable input/output device 31 can operate as a directly connected device.
Connecting the removable input/output device 31 and the computer main body 56 as described above makes it possible to connect the computer main body 56 to an AC power supply. Accordingly, the computer main body 56 can operate with its maximum processing power. Accordingly, unlike in the case of battery connection, there is no need to consider operable time or power consumption. The secondary processor A 42 of the removable input/output device 31 performs regular processing (that is, processing of the output information of the primary processor B 54 and transmission of input information to the primary processor B 54) irrespective of the operating state of the primary processor B 54. Accordingly, its power consumption is substantially constant. Therefore, it can be expected of the removable input/output device 31 to operate for a pre-assumed operable time irrespective of the status of processing of the computer main body 56.
(c) Processing Under the Above-Described Connection (a) or (b)
In order to realize the above-described connection (a) or (b) in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, at least it is necessary for the computer main body 56 and the removable input/output device 31 to operate as independent computers. Further, the secondary processor A 42 and the primary processor B 54 are provided with data communications units 80 and 92 (
Further, as shown in
Next, an overview is given, with reference to
Further, when the removable input/output device 31 is detached and remotely connected, the input to the interrupt operation unit 82 of the secondary processor A 42 becomes “H” (
When the removable input/output device 31 is attached, the input to the interrupt operation unit 82 of the secondary processor A 42 becomes “L” (
Further, when the removable input/output device 31 is attached, the input to the interrupt operation unit 102 of the primary processor B 54 becomes “L” (
When the removable input/output device 31 is detached and remotely connected (steps S18 and S20 of (a) of
[Fifth Embodiment]
The conventional notebook computer 1201 (
On the other hand, in the computer 201 according to the fifth embodiment, an image input signal B 214 can be input to the interface of an image input/output switching unit 206, which interface connects to the external image output device 212. Further, input/output switching of the interface can be performed by a switch signal B 220.
In the case of displaying an image of the computer 201 on the external image output device 212, the interface of the image input/output switching unit 206, which interface connects to the external image output device 212, is switched to “output mode” by the switch signal B 220, and the image input signal A 208 is output to the external image output device 212 as the image output signal B 210 by operating the switch signal A 218.
In the case of displaying an image of an external computer 222 on the image output device 202 of the main body of the computer 201, the interface of the image input/output switching unit 206, which interface connects to the external computer 222, is switched to “input mode” by the switch signal B 220, and the image input signal B214 is output to the image output device 202 of the main body of the computer 201 as the image output signal A 216 by operating the switch signal A 218. When the interface is in “input mode,” the image input signal B 214 may be automatically output to the image output device 202 of the main body of the computer 201 as the image output signal A 216 by the switch signal 220.
[Sixth Embodiment]
The computer 201 includes the image input/output switching unit (input device output switching and image input/output switching unit) 206 to which an input device input 224 of the main body is connected, and outputting an input device output A 226 to the main body or outputting an input device output B 228 to the external computer 222 can be selected by the switch signal B 220 in the image input/output switching unit 206.
In the case of operating the computer 201, the input device input 224 is output as the input device output A 226 to be input to the input device controller of the main body by operating the switch signal B 220. In the case of operating the external computer 222, the input device input 224 is output as the input device output B 228 to be input to the input device controller of the external computer 222 by operating the switch signal B 220.
[Seventh Embodiment]
A seventh embodiment of the present invention relates to an interface and a computer formed by assigning an input device input signal used in an external computer to a signal already assigned to an external image output interface in a computer such as a notebook personal computer.
On the other hand,
In this case, the input device input 224 of the computer 201 can be connected to the external computer 222. When the external image output device 212 is connected to the computer 201, it is possible to display an image itself from the computer 201 on the external image output device 212. However, since it is not possible to use SDA and SCL signals, data cannot be transmitted with a DDC interface.
[Eighth Embodiment]
An eighth embodiment of the present invention relates to an interface and a computer formed by assigning one of an input device input signal used in an external computer and a DDC interface by switching to a signal assigned as unused or reserved in an external image output interface in a computer such as a notebook personal computer.
Referring to
In this case, when the computer 201 is used as an image display unit of the external computer 222, first, Terminal 4 and Terminal 15 are assigned as DDC interfaces, so that the external computer 222 obtains information on the image display unit of the computer 201. Thereafter, Terminal 4 and Terminal 11 are assigned as PS/2 DATA and PS/2 CLK, respectively. As a result, the input device input of the computer 201 can be connected to the external computer 222.
In this case, the input device input of the computer 201 can be connected to the external computer 222, and data can be transmitted with a DDC interface. It is possible for the computer 201 to display an image on the external image output device 212 when the computer 201 is connected thereto. However, in the case of connecting the external computer 222 to the computer 201, it is necessary for the computer 201 to suitably switch the DDC interface and the PS/2 interface. Therefore, the structure of the image input/output switching unit 206 provided in the computer 201 is rather complicated.
[Ninth Embodiment]
A ninth embodiment of the present invention relates to an interface and a computer formed by assigning an input device input signal used in an external computer to a signal assigned as unused or reserved in an external image output interface in a computer such as a notebook personal computer.
Referring to
Further, in this case, the input device input of the computer 201 can be connected to the external computer 222, and data can be transmitted with a DDC interface. When the computer 201 and the external image output device 212 are connected, it is possible for the computer 201 to have an image displayed on the external image output device 212 while maintaining compatibility with the conventional terminal layout.
[Tenth Embodiment]
First, in the computer 201 according to the tenth embodiment, an input signal that detects connection of the external computer 222 is assigned to a terminal of the external image output interface. Further, as shown in
In the computer 201 according to the tenth embodiment, when the external computer 222 is connected to the external image output interface, the switch signal B 220 switches from “H” to “L.” As a result, the input/output interface of the image input/output switching unit 206 automatically switches to “input mode.”
Then, the image input signal B 214 of the external computer 222 is displayed on the image output device of the computer 201 via the image output signal A 216, while the input device input 224 is output as the input device output B 228.
Further, in the computer 201 according to the tenth embodiment, when the external computer 222 is not connected to the external image output interface, the switch signal B 220 switches from “L” to “H.” As a result, the input/output interface of the image input/output switching unit 206 automatically switches to “output mode.”
Then, the image input signal A 208 of the computer 201 is displayed on the external image output device 212 via the image output signal B 210, while the input device input 224 is output as the input device output A 226.
[11th Embodiment]
In the computer 201 according to the 11th embodiment, a change switch 230 is provided to the switch signal B 220 of the image input/output switching unit 206. As a result, input and output of the image input/output switching unit 206 can be manually switched.
In the configuration shown in
When the change switch 230 is switched OFF, the switch signal B 220 becomes “H.” At this point, by combining operation of the switch signal A 218, it is also possible to display the image input signal A 208 on the image output device 202 of the computer 201 via the image output signal A 216 without putting the input/output interface of the image input/output switching unit 206 in the state of outputting.
On the other hand, in the configuration shown in
If the change switch 230 is switched OFF in this state, the switch signal B 220 changes to “H.” At this point, by combining operation of the switch signal A 218, it is also possible to display the image input signal A 208 on the image output device 202 of the computer 201 via the image output signal A 216 without putting the input/output interface of the image input/output switching unit 206 in the state of outputting.
The change switch 230 shown in
[12th Embodiment]
In the computer 201 shown in
In this case, in response to connecting the external computer 222 to the external image output interface of the computer 201, the switch signal B 220 changes from “H” to “L.” As a result, the input/output interface of the image input/output switching unit 206 switches to “input mode,” so that the image input signal B 214 of the external computer 222 is displayed on the image output device 202 of the computer 201 via the image output signal A 216.
[13th Embodiment]
According to a 13th embodiment of the present invention, an input signal that detects connection of an external computer is assigned to a signal assigned as unused or reserved in an external image output interface in a computer such as a notebook personal computer, and the signal is connected to a switch signal of an image input/output switching unit, thereby switching input and output of the image input/output switching unit. A perspective view (partially exploded view) of a computer according to the 13th embodiment is substantially the same as
In this case, by connecting the external computer 222 to the external image output interface of the computer 201, the switch signal B 220 changes from “H” to “L.” As a result, the input/output interface of the image input/output switching unit 206 switches to “input mode,” so that the image input signal B 214 of the external computer 222 is displayed on the image output device 202 of the computer 201 via the image output signal A 216.
According to the 13th embodiment, by adding a pull-up resistor to Terminal 4, which is a reserved terminal, and connecting Terminal 4 to the switch signal B 220 of the image input/output switching unit 206, it is possible to achieve expansion while maintaining compatibility with the existing external image output interface.
[14th Embodiment]
A 14th embodiment of the present invention relates to, for example, terminals and a connector forming an external image output interface in a computer.
First,
According to the 14th embodiment, each of the male and female connectors has multiple detection terminals different in length from each other as shown in
In this case, it is assumed that when the connectors are not connected, a signal on the female connector side is output, and a signal on the male connector side is not output. Further, it is assumed that when the connectors are connected, a signal on the female connector side is in input mode, and a signal on the male connector side is output.
As shown in
When the connection of the connectors is further continued, the detection terminals B 276 and 286 come into contact with each other after the signal terminals 274 and 284 come into contact with each other as shown in
[15th Embodiment]
In the computer 201 according to the 15th embodiment, an input signal that detects connection of the external computer 222 and a signal 232 that controls the image output control terminal of the external computer 222 are assigned to terminals of the conventional external image output interface. The former signal is connected to the switch signal A 218 of the image input/output switching unit 206 of the computer 201, and has a pull-up resistor added thereto. A corresponding terminal on the external computer 222 side is grounded. On the other hand, the latter signal 232 is connected to the image output control terminal of an image signal output unit 222a (
The image input/output switching unit 206 outputs the image output signal B 210 when the state of the input switch signal A 218 is “H,” and stops outputting the image output signal B 210 to be in the state of inputting when the state of the input switch signal A 218 is “L.” The image signal output unit 222a provided in the external computer 222 stops outputting the image input signal B 214 when the input switch signal A 218 is “H,” and outputs the image input signal B 214 when the input switch signal A 218 is “L.”
As shown in
[16th Embodiment]
In the 16th embodiment, as shown in
On the other hands
[17th Embodiment]
As shown in
On the other hand,
[18th Embodiment]
As shown in
The image input/output switching unit 206 outputs the image output signal B 210 when the switch signal A 218 is “H,” and stops outputting the image output signal B 214 to be in the state of inputting when the switch signal A 218 is “L.” Accordingly, when the connectors 244 and 246 are not connected, the switch signal A 218 is “H,” so that the image output signal B 210 is output via the image input/output switching unit 206 of the computer 201 to be displayed on the external image output device (external monitor) 212.
When the connectors 244 and 246 are connected, the projection 240 and the hook hole 242 come in contact with each other so that the switch signal A 218 changes from “H” to “L.” As a result, the image input/output switching unit 206 stops outputting the image output signal B 210, so that the image signal terminal is in the state of inputting. At this point, the image input signal B 214 output from the external computer 222 is input to the image signal terminal of the computer 201 to be displayed on the image output device 202 of the computer 201.
The conventional image signal male connector 244′ is connectable to the image signal female connector 246 with the hook hole 242 and to the conventional image signal female connector 246′.
The male connector 244 with the projection 240 cannot be connected to the conventional image signal female connector 246′ as indicated by broken arrow Q in
As a result, it is possible to maintain compatibility in the connection to the conventional external monitor, and it is also possible to prevent the external computer 222 according to one embodiment of the present intention from being connected to the conventional computer to cause malfunction.
[19th Embodiment]
In the case of connecting an external monitor having the existing image signal male connector 244′ to the image signal female connector 246 of the computer 201 in
In the case of connecting the external computer 222 according to this embodiment, not only the existing compatible part of each of the image signal connectors 244 and 246 but also the added connectors 244α and 246α are used. As a result, the computer 201 and the external computer 222 according to this embodiment can properly exchange signals. That is, since the connected detection signal operates the input device output switching and image input/output switching unit 206 of the computer 201, it is possible to input a signal of the input device of the computer 201 to the external computer 222, so that it is possible to display an image of the external computer 222 on the image output device 202 of the computer 201.
[20th Embodiment]
In the case of connecting an external monitor having the existing image signal connector in the 20th embodiment, since the image signal connector is the same as the conventional one, it is possible for the computer 201 to display an image on the external monitor while maintaining compatibility with the conventional terminal layout. Further, in the case of connecting the external computer 222 according to the present invention, extension connectors having terminals regarding the connection detection (recognition) signal and the input device signals of extension and the image signal. At this point, it is possible to input a signal of the input device of the computer 201 to the external computer 222, and since the detection signal of the extension connector parts operates the input device output switching and image input/output switching unit 206 of the computer 201, it is possible to display an image of the external computer 222 on the image output device 202 of the computer 201.
[21st Embodiment]
In the case where the external computer 222 is not connected, the switch signal B 220 is not activated, so that the input device input 224 is output to the input device output A 226 of the computer 201. At this point, an internal device 250 and an external peripheral device 252 connected to the concentrator (206) may be connected to the input device output A 226.
When the external computer 222 is connected, the switch signal B 220 is activated, so that the input device input 224 is output to the input device output B 228 of the computer 201 so as to be input to the external computer 222. At this point, the internal device 250 and the external peripheral device 252 connected to the concentrator (206) are connected to the input device output B 228. As a result, not only the input device 204 of the computer 201 but also the internal device 250 and the external peripheral device 252 are usable in the external computer 222. At this point, it may be determined, using another switch signal, whether to cause the internal device 250 and the external peripheral device 252 connected to the concentrator (206) to be connected to the input device output B 228.
[22nd Embodiment]
It is clear from the above description that the computer 201 according to the present invention is assumed to be connected to the external computer 222 according to the present invention. Accordingly, it is assumed that a predetermined operation may not be performed in the case of connecting the conventional external computer 222′ to the computer 201 according to the present invention. The relay device 260 is provided in order to solve this problem.
The relay device 260 includes a relay unit 262 that controls output of an image signal input from the external computer 222′. The relay unit 262 outputs the image signal of the external computer 222′ to the computer 201 side if the state of a switch signal input B having a pull-up resistor added thereto is “L,” and does not output the image signal of the external computer 222′ if the state of the switch signal input B is “H.” Further, a signal to be connected to a switch signal input A having a pull-up resistor added thereto when the relay device 260 is connected to the computer 201 is grounded in the relay device 260.
The relay device 260 can separate an input device signal assigned from the computer 201 to the image signal interface, and direct the separated input device signal to a conventional input device interface (246″and 244″). Further, the relay device 260 uses the connector 244 having the improper insertion prevention projection 240 for preventing connection to computers other than the computer 201 according to the present invention. That is, by connecting the conventional external computer 222′ to the relay device 260 and connecting the relay device 260 to the computer 201 according to the present invention, the conventional external computer 222′ can be equivalent to the external computer 222 according to the present invention.
Further, a change switch (not graphically illustrated) that performs connection and disconnection may be provided to the switch signal input A and the switch signal input B of the relay device 260 so that the output of the image output device of the computer 201 main body can be switched by manually operating the change switch on the relay device 260.
[23rd Embodiment]
A 23rd embodiment of the present invention relates to image signal interface connectors that integrate the features of the fifth, sixth, ninth, tenth, 12th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th embodiments.
According to the 23rd embodiment, the +5 VDC terminals of the image signal connectors 244 and 246 are assigned as detection terminals that have a +5 V pull-up resistor and detect connection of the external computer 222. When the connectors 244 and 246 are connected, the detection terminals come into contact with each other before all the other terminals come into contact. Therefore, first, the switch signal A 218 that controls the input/output of the image input/output switching unit 206 of the computer 201 changes from “H” to “L.” As a result, the image signal output to the external image output device (external monitor) 212 is stopped, so that the image input/output switching unit 206 can switch to “input mode.”
Since the image signal connector 244 and the image signal connector 246 have the projection 240 and the hook hole 242 for preventing improper insertion, respectively, the external monitor 212 having the conventional image signal male connector is connectable to the computer 201, but the external computer 222 cannot be connected to a computer such as a notebook computer having the conventional image signal female connector.
Further, the projection 240 and the hook hole 242 for preventing improper insertion are shorter than other terminals and assigned as detection terminals that detect connection of the external computer 222 at the time of connection of the connectors 244 and 246. That is, these detection terminals come into contact with each other after all the other terminals come into contact. As a result, the state of a switch signal B that controls the output of the external computer 222 changes from “H” to “L,” so that an image signal of the external computer 222 is input to the computer 222 to be displayed on the image output device 202.
Further, by assigning the input device signals of PS/2 CLK and PS/2 DATA to the reserved signal of Terminal 4 and the ID0 signal of Terminal 11, which is normally not used, respectively, it is possible to connect the input device signals of the computer 222 to the external computer 222.
Thus, by providing the projection 240 and the hook hole 242 for preventing improper insertion also serving as detection signals (terminals), assigning input device signals used in the external computer 222 to signals assigned as unused and reserved, and further assigning an input signal that has a pull-up resistor to 5 V power supply and detects connection of the external computer 222 to terminals already assigned as +5 VDC in the image signal interface connectors 244 and 246, it is possible to expand functions while maintaining compatibility with the existing external image output interface.
[24th Embodiment]
A 24th embodiment of the present invention relates to image signal interface connectors that integrate the features of the fifth, sixth, ninth, tenth, and 12th embodiments.
According to the 24th embodiment, the +5 VDC terminals of the image signal connectors 244 and 246 are assigned as detection terminals that have a +5 V pull-up resistor and detect connection of the external computer 222. The detection terminals come into contact with each other before all the other terminals come into contact. Therefore, first, the switch signal A 218 that controls the input/output of the image input/output switching unit 206 of the computer 201 changes from “H” to “L.” As a result, the image signal output to the external image output device (external monitor) 212 is stopped, so that the image input/output switching unit 206 can switch to “input node.” Further, after the terminals of the image signal come into contact, the image signal of the external computer 222 is input to the computer 201 to be displayed on the image output device 202.
Further, by assigning the input device signals of PS/2 CLK and PS/2 DATA to the reserved signal of Terminal 4 and the ID0 signal of Terminal 11, which is normally not used, respectively, it is possible to connect the input device signals of the computer 222 to the external computer 222.
Thus, by assigning input device signals used in the external computer 222 to signals assigned as unused and reserved, and further assigning an input signal that has a pull-up resistor to 5 V power supply and detects connection of the external computer 222 to terminals already assigned as +5 VDC in the image signal interface connectors 244 and 246, it is possible to expand functions while having the same conventional connectors and maintaining compatibility with the existing external image output interface.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a computer including a switching part configured to detect a connection of an external computer to the computer upon the connection, and to determine, in response to the detection of the connection of the external computer, that an output signal of the external computer be received and output to an output part of the computer.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a computer, wherein a connection of an external computer to the computer is detected upon the connection, and it is determined, in response to the detection of the connection of the external computer, that a signal input through an input part of the computer be input to the external computer.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a computer including a switching part configured to detect a connection of an external computer to the computer upon the connection; and to determine, in response to the detection of the connection of the external computer, that an output signal of the external computer be received and output to an output part of the computer, and a signal input through an input part of the computer be input to the external computer.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a computer including a main body and an input/output part including an input part and an output part, wherein the input/output part is removably provided on the main body.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a computer including a main body and an input/output part including an input part and an output part, the input/output part being removably provided on the main body, wherein the input/output part includes a processor including a peripheral device controller, the processor having a processing function as a computer, the processor being configured to be remotely connectable to the main body through data communications.
According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the performance of a computer with respect to power consumption, weight, volume, security, and remote operation at the time of its operation. Further, it is also possible to improve the performance of the computer with respect to partial replaceability at the time of failure.
The present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, and variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
The present application is based on Japanese Priority Patent Application No. 2006-049965, filed on Feb. 27, 2006, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
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